Nations surrounding Armenia are famed for their highly spiced food. Armenians take an opposite approach. They believe if food is fresh, it needs a little more than salt, pepper and perhaps some garlic. Mint is a favorite.

Armenians love grilled meats, especially lamb in olive oil and rosemary or mint. They set up portable charcoal grills on roadways to feed travelers, often in kebabs.

Your best chance at sampling this cuisine is in Middle Eastern restaurants. Ask for Armenian dishes.

Armenian preserved meats are dried to concentrate flavor. They include a ground beef hot sausage and a salami made with veal. You may find them in ethnic delis.

Armenian Potato Salad is a favorite side dish. It strips away the usual thoughts of mayonnaise, mustard and celery seed to make the dish a nearly pure potato experience. As with most Armenian recipes, ingredients are at a minimum and preparation times short. You’ll find it a welcome switch from other potato salads.